Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath

Cairngorms National Park and Monadhliath. Also includes the Ben Alder area hills between Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan.

Today's Forecast

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Thu 24th Apr 25 at 7:46AM
View our detailed version Last Updated Thu 24th Apr 25 at 7:46AM

Viewing Forecast For

Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Thursday 24th April 2025
Last updated Thu 24th Apr 25 at 7:46AM

Summary for all mountain areas

Low cloud from the North Sea covering all but some western mountains widely from dawn will gradually clear as it retreats eastwards into the middle of the day, some patches may remain on eastern slopes. Sunny most or all day western coasts. Small risk an afternoon shower.

Headline for Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath

Low cloud lifting to give patches of sun. Fairly light wind.

How windy? (On the Munros)

East to southeasterly 10-15mph, increasing a little toward evening.

Effect of the wind on you?

Small

How Wet?

Rain unlikely

Possible fine drizzle in cloud. Small risk of an isolated afternoon shower.

Cloud on the hills?

Higher areas above the cloud

Cloud widespread morning between about 450m and 900/1000m - higher summits frequently above the cloud. From late morning or midday will progressively break up: very little left by mid or late afternoon.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

Becoming greater than 90% (cloud lower down particularly morning)

Sunshine and air clarity?

Patchwork of sunshine.. Misty start in places; visibility then excellent.

How Cold? (at 900m)

2C rising to 5C.

Freezing Level

Above the summits, but slight frost some sheltered higher and lower slopes at dawn.

Viewing Forecast For

Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Friday 25th April 2025
Last updated Thu 24th Apr 25 at 7:46AM

How windy? (On the Munros)

South to southeasterly 20-30mph, gusty over exposed high terrain.

Effect of the wind on you?

Walking becoming impeded, stability may be challenged in strongest direct wind. Feeling chilly.

How Wet?

Chance afternoon patchy rain

Substantially dry, but occasional light rain may develop near and west of the A9 into the afternoon.

Cloud on the hills?

Low cloud mostly south, breaks north

Cloud banks to mid-slopes from dawn across south Cairngorms and Deeside, clearer in the north. Rising to upper slopes with breaks toward the tops. Patches may come and go over southern summits.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

60%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Intermittent sun lower slopes north of Cairngorm plateau, weakening as high cloud thickens. Visibility very good out of cloud.

How Cold? (at 900m)

3 or 4C, locally rising to 6C toward north. Feeling as cold as -5C in direct wind.

Freezing Level

Above the summits. Slight frost at dawn some glens.

Viewing Forecast For

Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Saturday 26th April 2025
Last updated Thu 24th Apr 25 at 7:46AM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Southerly 15 to 25mph.

Effect of the wind on you?

Fairly small

How Wet?

A little rain, risk a showery burst

Patchy rain and drizzle, mostly southern Cairngorms in the morning. May largely fade out, but risk an odd burst of rain almost anywhere into afternoon.

Cloud on the hills?

Most persistent south, rising during day

Covering most or all hills in the morning, cloud banks at various heights, lowest and most persistent from Ben Alder to southern Cairngorms NP. Rising to upper slopes with breaks above 1000m afternoon.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

30%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Glimpses of sun into the afternoon. Misty start especially toward south; visibility improving to become very good.

How Cold? (at 900m)

5C

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Planning Outlook

Weak fronts will encroach from the Atlantic by Friday into the weekend, bringing more humid air, with low cloud and patchy rain or drizzle, local showery bursts. Possibility of more persistent rain in western Scotland by Sunday with stronger southwesterly winds for a time. Generally mild, or increasingly warm into early next week as southerly air prevails. High pressure rebuilding with a good deal of dry and sunny weather expected next week into the start of May.